Carbon Monoxide and Landlord Liability

Carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the most frightening threats faced by any renter. We’ve all read the stories of a happy family lying down to sleep one pleasant evening, some of them to never rise again. It’s difficult to even imagine the grief and trauma that comes with suddenly and unexpectedly losing a loved one to a source that can’t be seen, tasted, or smelt; carbon monoxide gas is all the more deadly because it is tasteless, odorless, and colorless. If you or your family has suffered because of carbon monoxide exposure, you may be able to hold your landlord liable for damages.

Consider the Source

Ultimately, your ability to have a successful claim against your landlord for carbon monoxide poisoning depends almost entirely upon the source of the gas. If the carbon monoxide came from a source that was under the landlord’s control, then he or she may well be held liable. This is the case if the problem was a faulty heating system, some other appliance that came with the apartment, or anything that the landlord could have foreseeable anticipated. By contrast, if the source of the gas was an appliance that you brought in, or the result of some change that you made to the apartment, you may have more difficulty claiming damages.

What to Do if You Suspect Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

If you suspect that your home might be under threat of carbon monoxide poisoning, don’t take any chances. Immediately vacate your family to somewhere safe, and then request that an inspector come to the property and take a look around. He or she should be able to authoritatively determine whether or not you have a problem, and where it’s coming from.

Your Attorney Can Help Determine Liability

While an inspector might be able to help establish the source of your carbon monoxide threat, this isn’t enough to go on if you hope to file for damages against your landlord. In order to do that, you’ll definitely need professional legal representation in the form of a qualified attorney experienced in handling such matters. An attorney will be able to attend to all the ins and outs of the legal system and help to ensure that your claims are successfully processed and rewarded. For something this important, it’s vital that you leave nothing up to chance – go with an attorney in all matters when your family’s health and future are at stake.

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